Inconsistent Parameter Readings - Red Sea Max Nano G2

[Dikkezever]

Hier is een verbeterde versie van je forumbericht. Ik heb de grammatica gestroomlijnd en de kernvragen duidelijker geformuleerd, zodat ervaren hobbyisten je sneller kunnen helpen.

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Hi everyone,

I recently finished the cycle on my Red Sea Max Nano G2 (tank is approximately 60 days old). I am currently struggling with inconsistent Magnesium, KH, and Calcium readings.

Current Parameters:

• NH3/NH4: 0
• NO2: 0
• NO3: 5–10 ppm
• PO4: 0.03 ppm
• PH: 8.2
• S.G.: 1.024
• Temp: 25.1°C – 25.3°C (77.2°F – 77.5°F)
• KH: 9 – 13 (fluctuating)
• MG: 1390 (fluctuating)
• CA: Cannot be measured

The Issue:

I am seeing significant variations in my readings depending on when and where I test. For example:

• KH: I might measure 9.0 dKH at the return pump, 10.0 dKH on the other side of the tank, and 11.8 dKH at the return pump the following day.
• Magnesium: I’ve seen it jump from 1140 to 1390, or test at 1240 depending on the spot.

I am using Salifert test kits.

So far, the only thing I have dosed is Magnesium (to bring it up from a low of 920).

I was planning to start dosing Calcium, but the readings are currently unmeasurable.

I also dose Microbe-Lift Special Blend.

Current Livestock:

• 1 Hermit crab
• 2 Turbo snails
• 6 Nassarius vibex snails
• 4 Trochus snails

I don’t understand why these readings are so unstable in a tank with such a low bioload.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ClownSchool]

just to understand better. Are you saying that you’ve taken multiple tests in each area of your tank, found the same results in that area, but are finding different results from area to area? Or, are you only taking one test per area and moving to another?

 

[Dikkezever]

just to understand better. Are you saying that you’ve taken multiple tests in each area of your tank, found the same results in that area, but are finding different results from area to area? Or, are you only taking one test per area and moving to another?

Hi!

Yes that is indeed what i mean. I started testing twice , on different spots and noticed these values being different.

Also my kh seems to be rising without me dosing it. For example i usually start my test in the display tank naar the retour pump, day 1 , 9kh, next day same spot 11.8kh? i have never had to dose kh ever in the life timeof the tank.. yet it seems to be rising and dropping. I did a huge water change to lower kh from 13.8 to 9 ish. Tested 4 hours after the water change 9.5 kh, next day back at 12.8 or something..

It is kinda frustrating cause idk what to do with my mg, ca and kh are this point.

I dont wanna add any fish before u get these in order..

 

[ClownSchool]

Hi!

Yes that is indeed what i mean. I started m
Testing twice , on different spots and noticed these values being different.

Also my kh seems to be rising without me dosing it. For example i usually start my test in the display tank naar the retour pump, day 1 , 9kh, next day same spot 11.8kh?

It is kinda frustrating cause idk what to do with my mg, ca and kh are this point.

I dont wanna add any fish before u get these in order..

Okay.
First, all tests should be taken around the same time and from the same area.
Cycling a new system can affect your levels, especially Alk. New aquascape can cause leaching, especially calcium.
Your dosing schedule should leave at least an hour window of no dosing before each test.
Your water change schedule will affect levels. But, if your tank is presently empty, weekly water changes should keep your parameters stable enough to start adding a fish, or two.
Finally, Make sure you consider the R/O water you’re using in your tests. If your filters are at the end of their life, it will change your Salifert’s results. You can ‘zero out’ your test by using only R/O water and see if the test registers a detectable level.

 

[Dikkezever]

.

 

[Dikkezever]

Okay.
First, all tests should be taken around the same time and from the same area.
Cycling a new system can affect your levels, especially Alk. New aquascape can cause leaching, especially calcium.
Your dosing schedule should leave at least an hour window of no dosing before each test.
Your water change schedule will affect levels. But, if your tank is presently empty, weekly water changes should keep your parameters stable enough to start adding a fish, or two.
Finally, Make sure you consider the R/O water you’re using in your tests. If your filters are at the end of their life, it will change your Salifert’s results. You can ‘zero out’ your test by using only R/O water and see if the test registers a detectable level.

Hi, thank you so much for the replies; I really appreciate the help!

First, all tests should be taken around the same time and from the same area.
Your dosing schedule should leave at least an hour window of no dosing before each test.

I test everything first, then dose after. then wait 4-6 hours before retesting.

I am considering just taking a cup of water and using that for all my test, where is the best location to take the test water? i take it at the end of retour pump right (near the front glass).

New aquascape can cause leaching, especially calcium.

I started with aquaforest death rock, could this still be causing the issue even after 60 days ?

Finally, Make sure you consider the R/O water you’re using in your tests. If your filters are at the end of their life, it will change your Salifert’s results.

I buy my R/O water from my Lfs, i mix it with the red sea salt (normal ,not the pro) and when i test this i get around 1150mg and 6-7kh, i do not test CA on it , mixed at 1.024 s.g (32.1ppt).

You can ‘zero out’ your test by using only R/O water and see if the test registers a detectable level.

Also got my water tested at my lfs becuse i suspected user error in my testing , they use salifert tests aswell and they got around the same results.

Your water change schedule will affect levels. But, if your tank is presently empty, weekly water changes should keep your parameters stable enough to start adding a fish, or two.

Do you think adding 2 clownfish will be fine? my lfs told me to wait until i fixed my MG , KH and CA before adding fish.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Do you think adding 2 clownfish will be fine? my lfs told me to wait until i fixed my MG , KH and CA before adding fish.

I would definately get a fish. In my opinion, no need to test these things until you want to get corals, calcium magnesium alkalinity are not important to fish. People that have fish only tanks don't test these things. I don't know why the LFS would suggest to wait.

 

[ClownSchool]

Hi, thank you so much for the replies; I really appreciate the help!


I test everything first, then dose after. then wait 4-6 hours before retesting.

I am considering just taking a cup of water and using that for all my test, where is the best location to take the test water? i take it at the end of retour pump right (near the front glass).


I started with aquaforest death rock, could this still be causing the issue even after 60 days ?


I buy my R/O water from my Lfs, i mix it with the red sea salt (normal ,not the pro) and when i test this i get around 1150mg and 6-7kh, i do not test CA on it , mixed at 1.024 s.g (32.1ppt).


Also got my water tested at my lfs becuse i suspected user error in my testing , they use salifert tests aswell and they got around the same results.


Do you think adding 2 clownfish will be fine? my lfs told me to wait until i fixed my MG , KH and CA before adding fish.

Everything you said sounds good. You really don’t need to wait for the fish. The parameters will need to be more established before adding an anemone, though. So, I understand if you want to take more time stabilizing your chemistry first. Even live rock and sand can sometimes element cause leaching.
Adding the clowns is fine. Just be sure the smaller one is about 2/3 the size of the larger one for best chance of bonding.
Just remember to watch the water you’re getting. Even your LFS can wait too long before changing out their R/O filters from time to time.
Good luck and happy reefing!!!

 

[Dikkezever]

I would definately get a fish. In my opinion, no need to test these things until you want to get corals, calcium magnesium alkalinity are not important to fish. People that have fish only tanks don't test these things. I don't know why the LFS would suggest to wait.

Hi!

Thank you for the reply.

I am planning on fish only for the moment until i get more used to the hobby, then i want to start with some easy corals and build up over the years.

Not sure aswell, i went there to buy 2 clownfish, but i let them test my water before i go through with buying fish to make sure the water is 100% correct. They told me NO2 is okay but to wait and fix my MG and KH and CA.

Might just buy 2 clowns this weekend.

 

[Dikkezever]

Everything you said sounds good. You really don’t need to wait for the fish. The parameters will need to be more established before adding an anemone, though. So, I understand if you want to take more time stabilizing your chemistry first. Even live rock and sand can sometimes element cause leaching.
Adding the clowns is fine. Just be sure the smaller one is about 2/3 the size of the larger one for best chance of bonding.
Just remember to watch the water you’re getting. Even your LFS can wait too long before changing out their R/O filters from time to time.
Good luck and happy reefing!!!

Thank you.

Gonna get 2 clowns this weekend.

Yesterday i did a full water test, i took a glass of water for my tests.

Yesterday i got these parameters:

NO2 : 0
No3 : 2.5
Nh3 : 0.15 (this went up so gonna track this to make sure it is 0 before adding fish, i think i overfed my hermit and snails.)
Ph : 8.2
KH : 10.5
MG : 1260
CA : finally measureable after dosing at 310
PO4 : 0.03
S.g : 1.025

I will test my R/O water later today after work/